A Review of the Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1)

Bodybuilders and competitors have used a variety of supplemental substances, both naturally and pharmaceutically derived, in their quest for greater muscle size and the ripped look.

IGF-1 means insulin-like growth factor-1. It is a type of hormone that is manufactured by the liver following secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. Understanding what IGF-1 is, its functions in the body and the benefits it provides is necessary if you are going to use the compound.

IGF-1 is a prescription-only drug, much like testosterone, growth hormone, and other hormone-based medications, and comes in a number of forms, such as sprays. It is also recommended in a number of treatment protocols for certain hormonal deficiencies.

IGF-1 is a protein that is normally released by the body in times of physical trauma. It tends to bond with receptors which instruct cells to divide and grow, normally resulting in the formation of scar tissue, and the building of new muscle.

This is one the most popular benefits of IGF-1 and it is common to see IGF-1 prescribed for people suffering from muscular degeneration diseases.

But these substances are regulated heavily to prevent overuse, since an overabundance of IGF-1, can instruct the same cells it improves, to mutate into cancers or tumors.

Three ways to acquire IGF-1 include:

IGF-1 injections, purchased from pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription

Legal IGF-1 supplements like the deer antler extract.

IGF-1 purchased from the black market and underground labs.

Benefits and Side Effects of Human Growth Hormone, IGF-1

Human growth hormone is naturally produced in the pituitary gland and plays a vital role in cell regeneration, growth, and maintenance of healthy human tissue. Once secreted, HGH remains active in the bloodstream for a short time, allowing just enough time for the liver to convert it into growth factors. The insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) promotes growth on every cell of the body, thus, an IGF-1 supplement can imitate the effects of healthy human growth hormone HGH levels by triggering similar cell growth reactions.

Benefits of Human Growth Hormone includes

Enhanced Weight Loss

Stronger Bones

Increased Muscle Strength

Better Fracture Healing

Reduced Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Improvement in Erectile Dysfunction

Decreased Obesity

Better Mood and Cognitive Function

Stamina and Muscle Building

The most popular use of IGF is as a workout-enhancing bodybuilding supplement. The muscle-growing qualities which make IGF-1 ideal for healing can also build mass and strength in healthy bodies.

Many weightlifters, runners, swimmers, and athletes in almost every major league sport use some form of IGF to gain a serious training advantage. However, this practice is considered illegal and is banned by governing agencies and anti-doping assemblies.

At the casual level, bodybuilders can purchase some form of IGF-1 through an internet black market, thus, avoiding doctor’s prescription requirements, but this is a risky practice, as the individual technique of calculating dosage is typically not easy for a beginner to understand.

IGF-1 is only bioavailable if it avoids the digestion process.

IGF-1 Side Effects

One of the most common short-term side effects reported from IGF-1 usage is hypoglycemia, a disorder characterized by an abnormally low level of blood sugar in the body system, and the risk of developing hypoglycemia is a contributing factor to the reason IGF-1 is limited in clinical application.

Too much IGF-1 in the blood can result in bone growth that causes changes in physical appearance.

IGF-1 Safety

IGF-1 side effects can be lessened by sticking to natural forms of the compound, and being extremely careful not to overdose.

Hormones are tricky, and even in the best of situations and under medical supervision; it can be complicated to get hormone balance in the body under control.

In the body, if one hormone is disrupted, it can result in an imbalanced effect on other hormone levels and functions.

Today, more effective and less risky methods for taking the IGF-1 supplement, such as antler extract sprays, make IGF supplementation more practical. This type of mild daily supplementation allows users to explore the benefits of IGF supplements safely and effectively.